What is it?
The estate version of the Audi A6 saloon. It's near enough exactly the same size as the previous A6 Avant but up to 70kg lighter depending on what engine it has. Spacious, practical and classy, it's up against competition from the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate and the BMW 5 Series Touring.
If you're familiar with the A6 saloon, then the Avant won't be much of a surprise. It has the same sharp and clean lines as the four-door model and it's just as well built. The big change is the back end, which appears larger in the metal than it does in the pictures. That's no bad thing, as the A6 Avant can stow 565 litres of luggage with the rear seats in place and a whopping 1,680 litres when the back bench is folded down. There's even an optional 'advanced key' feature, which means that the driver (when holding the key) can open the boot by making a kicking action towards sensors in the rear bumper. Handy if you're loaded up with bags.
Is it any good?
There are three TDI turbodiesel engines - a 2.0-litre with 175bhp, two V6 3.0-litre units with 201- and 242bhp - and one 3.0-litre TFSI V6 petrol with 296bhp. The basic 2.0 TDI will do the trick for most buyers because it's the cheapest to run, has the lowest emissions and just enough power to lug the A6 Avant along at a reasonable pace. By most standards it's quite refined, but it rattles a bit in comparison to the smooth and punchy V6 diesels.
The 3.0-litre petrol V6 is unlikely to be a big seller because the diesels are so competent, but that doesn't mean it's not fun. There's loads of power, a tuneful exhaust note and it enjoys a good revving. Gearbox choices are a six-speed manual, an eight-speed S-Tronic automatic and Audi's Multitronic CVT. We'd steer clear of the latter option, but the first two suit the A6 well.
A flagship 309bhp bi-turbo V6 diesel engine will become available towards the end of 2011. It's good for 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds and has seemingly endless amounts of mid-range shove. Audi's engineers have tweaked the exhaust note so that it sounds about as fruity as a diesel can get, too.
Turn into a corner and the A6 Avant is as composed as a big estate can be. There's plenty of grip, especially from the four-wheel drive quattro models, and the ride is always comfortable. The steering is direct and accurate but it's not exactly brimming with feedback.
Should I call the bank manager?
You'll need £32,100 for the entry-level 2.0-litre TDI SE model, while the top-end V6 petrol quattro costs £43,480. That's not cheap, but then again the A6 is a premium executive model, so it's priced competitively against the BMW 5 Series Touring and Mercedes E-Class Estate. As for fuel economy, the cleanest 2.0-litre TDI engine returns an impressive 57.6mpg and emits 129g/km and even the 3.0-litre V6 petrol offers 34.5mpg and 190g/km, which isn't bad.
Standard equipment is generous and includes Audi's Multimedia Interface (MMI) system, Bluetooth phone connectivity, satnav and plenty more. Some of the many options include an eight-inch, foldaway flat screen monitor, Google mapping 3D satnav and a thermal imaging camera.
Summary
The A6 Avant is a terrific all-rounder and it does what it's designed to do exceptionally well. You'll never want for more space, more refinement or a better quality interior, while the cool styling and desirability of the Audi badge keep the A6 at the top of its game. Good as it is, the A6 Avant isn't all that exciting, though. It's a bit too efficient and clinical, but judging by the praise lauded on the A6 saloon - and the company's huge success in general - that won't stop it from selling like hot cakes.
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